The Traditional Children's Games of England Scotland
& Ireland
In Dictionary Form - Volume 1
With Tunes(sheet music), Singing-rhymes(lyrics), Methods Of Playing with diagrams and illustrations.
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BLIND MAN'S BUFF |
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" Chacke Blynd Man," " Hoodle-cum-blind," " Hoodman Blind," "Hooper's Hide," "Jockie Blind Man."
(d) There is some reason for believing that this game can be traced up to very ancient rites connected with prehistoric worship. The name " Billy Blind " denoted the person who was blindfolded in the game, as may be seen by an old poem by Lyndsay, quoted by Jamieson : War I ane King
I sould richt sone mak reformatioun Farlyeand thairof your grace sould richt sone finde That Preistis sail leid vow lyke ane bellye blinde. |
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And also in Clerk's Advice to Luvaris:
Sum festnit is and ma not fie,
Sum led is lyk the belly blynd
With luve, war bettir lat it be. " It is probable," says Jamieson, u that the term is the same as Billy Blynde, said to be the name of a familiar spirit or good genius somewhat similar to the brownie." Professor Child identifies it with Odin, the blind deity. Another name in Scotland is also " Blind Harie," which is not the common Christian name " Harry," because this was not a name familiar in Scotland. Blind Harie may therefore, Jamieson thinks, arise from the rough or hairy attire worn by the principal actor. Auld Harie is one of the names given to the devil, and also to the spirit Brownie, who is represented as a hairy being. Under "Coolin," a curious Highland custom is described by Jamieson, which is singularly like the game of " Belly Blind," |
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